His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, underscored the importance of industry-university collaboration in a titah at the 36th Convocation Ceremony of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) on Monday.
His Majesty emphasised that UBD, as a leading institution in the country, must continue to fulfill its responsibility of producing a progressive and creative generation through annual university publications. He highlighted the university’s efforts in drafting the UBD Sustainable Blueprint, aimed at creating an environmentally friendly and conducive campus environment. This initiative is designed to prepare students as future leaders capable of tackling contemporary challenges.
Amid global challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, and social issues, His Majesty stressed the importance of creating a secure future for upcoming generations. The monarch reminded of the need to integrate spiritual aspects into education, ensuring that UBD nurtures students in all facets of life.
His Majesty took pride in UBD’s accomplishments, notably the recent prestigious accreditation awarded to the UBD School of Business and Economics (UBD-SBE) by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This accreditation places UBD-SBE among the top 6 percent of elite business schools worldwide, adhering to high standards of excellence in business education.
In the address, His Majesty expressed a desire to see enhanced industry-university collaboration, which His Majesty believes is essential for advancing knowledge, technology, and skills. The building of the UBD Innovation Hub, UBD Digital Science Nexus, and the new UBD Institute of Biodiversity and Environment Research, which were approved under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN), are expected to act as catalysts for research and education. These developments are anticipated to drive product innovation, attract investment, and generate new economic clusters, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
His Majesty conveyed confidence that the graduates are well-prepared to meet future job opportunities and challenges. – LYNA MOHAMMAD
